HP has updated its mobile workstation lineup with the new ZBook series of laptops, which includes the first workstation notebook that qualifies as an Ultrabook.

The ZBook 14 (pictured) tips the scales at just 3.57 pounds, but is still capable of handling up to 16GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and discrete graphics in the form of either Nvidia Quadro or AMD FirePro cards. Processor options are fourth-generation Intel Haswell Core i5 or i7 chips, and you can order the ZBook 14 with an optional touchscreen to make use of Windows 8's touch capabilities.

While the ZBook 14 won't be available until next month (with pricing TBD), the ZBook 15 and 17 are now on sale, though they don't appear to be available to order on HP's website. Both models include Thunderbolt ports, can handle up to 32GB of RAM, and, like the ZBook 14, are powered by Intel Haswell processors. The ZBook can take up to 1.8TB of storage, while the ZBook 17 maxes out at 2.8GB, though HP claims slightly better battery life from the 15-inch version.

Unlike the ZBook 14, the larger laptops only have Quadro graphics options, and the ZBook 15 will be available with an optional 3,200x1,800 ultra-high-res screen, much like the Dell Precision M3800. The ZBook 15's starting price is $1,899, while the ZBook 17 is $100 more for its base configuration.

Sean Portnoy started his tech writing career at ZDNet nearly a decade ago. He then spent several years as an editor at Computer Shopper magazine, most recently serving as online executive editor. He received a B.A. from Brown University and an M.A. from the University of Southern California.

Disclosure

Sean Portnoy is a freelance technology journalist; currently, all work that Sean does is on a contractural basis. Sean has also written corporate communications documents for CA.Sean does not accept gifts from companies he covers. All hardware products he writes about are purchased with his own funds or are review units covered under formal loan agreements and are returned after the review is complete.